Electric signaling system.



S. M. WARD In.

ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED 050.24, 1907. RENEWEDDEC. I5, 1916.-

1,241,062. Patented Sept. 25, 1917.

2 SHEETSSHEET I.

S. M. WARD, In. ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED DEC. 24. 1901. RENEWED 050.15,.1916.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2- a l mambo;

wi bnaoow SAMUEL M. WARD, 3a., or WOODMERE, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR To JOHN T. CLARKE, on NEW YORK, N. Y.

ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Application filed December 24, 1907, Serial No. 407,936. Renewed December 15, 1916. SeriaI No. 137,265. I

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SAMUEL M. XVARD, Jr,- a citizen of the United States, residlng at Voodmere, county of Nassau, Long Island,-

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a durable and efficient signaling system of the above type.

Another object of the invention to provide a signaling system which will permit cars to enter at opposite ends of the block simultaneously, or to enter at one end and leave at the other end simultaneously without disarranging the signaling system or disturbing set signals,- and which will permit a car which has improperly entered the signal block to back out of thesame without disturbing the signals.

It frequently happends that a car run into a block when it has no right there, and should be immediately backed ofl. Such cases may arise where a car has a danger signal thrown directly in front of it as the :ar is about to enter the block, or where en tering sin'iultaneously with the car at the other end, said last car backs off and reenters to set a danger signal against the first car; in either of which cases the car against which the danger signal is set should back I off without affecting said signals, and object of this invention is to provide means s1tuated within the block for allowing the car so situatedto back out of the bl'ockwithout affecting the signals, and this without' having to disturb its collector.

Another object of the invention is to provide a quick release forthe locking mechanism of the controller actuating pawls as well as for the pawls themselves, sothat the liability of thepawls ii'iterfering with each other by having the magnet of each ener- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 25, 1917.

gized at the same time will be reduced to a minimum; and to provide means for operat ing said pawls in a predetei'anined order should the operating magnets be simultaneously energized by cars entering and leaving the block simultaneously; thus providing a controller which cannot be' disarrang'e'd' by any possible order in which cars may enter or leave the block, due to ignoring signals or otherwise.

Another object of the invention is to supplant the dash pots used with the trolley switches, which are expensive and require considerable care, by a simple, inexpensive and reliable apparatus for governing the controller circuits.

Still another object is to remove the signal lamps from the main signal circuit, and toso arrange the system that both signals at eachend of the block are placed in a local circuit which, if desired, may be supplied with a separate source of energy, and which are controlled by line relays.

My invention will be best understood by the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in Which Figure I is a diagrammatic view of my signaling system as applied to a section of single track electric road which connects the double tracks or turn-outs at each end.

Fig; 2 is a side elevation of the signal casing showing the signals and the controller with its actuating magnets, and

Fig. 3 is a modification of one of the circuits of Fig. 1.

Referring to Fig. 1, I is an incandescent lamp in a local circuit which remains closed all the time. 2 is a target or red transparency which is normally held aloft by solenoid 8, but which is allowed to drop over the lamp 2" when the solenoid'is deenergized. The solenoid is placed in a local circuit i which is held normally closed by a relay 6 of relatively high resistance. The target carries a contact to bridge contacts 11 for short cir'cuiting resistance 9, when the target is released to-cover lamp 1'.

A-is'a step by step controller com rising a ratchet wheel 12 which carriesa nger 16 for engaging switch 17 and a, pin 16 for engaging a projection on the frame (not shown) tolimit the movement of the wheel; The switch 17, having three arms for con trolling'circuit's hereinafter to be'mentioned,

is mounted on a shaft and held in either of its operating positions by a spring 18. A pawl 20 for advancing the controller is opererated by magnet 19, which is energized through circuit 21 and controlled by relay 6, and the trolley switch 66. A magnet which is energized through circuit 29 operates pawl 30 to restore the controller; the circuit 29 being controlled at contacts 31 and 33.

38 is an incandescent lamp (in this case green) situated in a local circuit 10 which is controlled by relay 80 of relatively low resistance, and switch 2 1. This lamp constitutes the caution signal or return indication and may be replaced by a target and lamp similar to the one above mentioned for circuit 4 in which case at least one white light will always be displayed to direct the motormans attention in the direction of the signal stand. Situated at the entrance of the block is a device for controlling the mag nets 19 and 28, which consists of a switch 66 for closing contacts 22, and a magnet 83 for controlling contacts 33. An elongated contact 82 is carried beneath asuitable frame secured to the trolley wire so as to be engaged by the trolley wheel or shoe to en ergize the magnet 83; and the switch 66 is mounted on the frame in operative relation v to a tongue which is suspended in the path of the trolley wheel and so pivoted that it will operate to close switch v66 only when engaged by a car which is entering the block. The contact 82 is connected to the trolley wire by a conductor 86 which includes the magnet 83 for controlling contacts 33. The magnet is preferably carried on a frame with switch 66. The mechanism at the other end of the block is a duplicate of that already described and needs no further mention here. By this arrangement, the clearing of the signals is under the control of the motorman and the signals are only cleared when the car engages the contacts with the controller on. The cars in regularly entering the block will always coast past the contacts.

A conductor 34 extends along the block for setting the signals and has similar trolley and ground connections at each end, The trolley branch at A includes contacts-35, relay 6, and resistance 9; the ground branch including contacts 37 and relay 80; while the branch at B includes similar apparatus.

A second conductor 32 extends along the block having similar trolley and ground connections at each end. tion at A includes contacts 33 and wire 86; the ground branch including contacts 31, wire 29 and magnet 28.

The high resistance relays 6 and 6 are designed so that either of them will attract its core when energized with one of the resistances 9 or 9 in circuit, and yet will be capable of remaining in circuit for any The trolley conneclength of time with the resistance out out, without undue heating. To accomplish this it is only necessary to use a slightly larger wire than usual in winding. the relay coil.

The relatively low resistance relays 80 and 80 are so designed that neither of them will attract its core to close contacts 85 or 85 when it is energized with one of the resistances 9 or 9' in circuit; but upon the resistance being bridged the relay will become energized sufiiciently toattract its core and close contacts 85 or 85. The resistances 9 and 9 are such that when out in and out of the circuit they will vary the current in line 3a-by a considerable percentage of its normal value, thus insuring the proper operation of the relays at all times.

Fig. 1 shows the condition of the system after a car has entered the block at the left, and its operation is as follows:

A car entering the block at A will engage tongue 65 to close contacts 22, completing a circuit from the trolley wire through contacts 23 and magnet 19 to ground. Magnet 19 being energized will operate pawl 20 to turn disk 12 one step in an anti-clockwise direction causing finger 15 to engage the right hand edge of switch 17 and throw the same to close contacts 31 and 37 and open contacts 35. v

A detent, not shown, holds the disk in its operated position and spring 18 holds switch 17 in its operated position. The closing of contacts 37 completes a circuit from ground at A'through relay 80, wire 36, contacts 37,

conductor 3 1, contacts 35 at 13, wire 8, relay 6, resistance 9 to trolley wire. The closing of this circuit energizes relay 6. causing it to attract its core and open circuits a and 21. The opening of circuit 4 deenergizes sole-- noid 3 causing the red disk 2 to fall over (the normally burning) lamp 1 to indicate danger. Upon the signal being set, resist ance 9 is bridged by a contact carried by circuit from ground at A through solenoid 28, wire 29, contacts 31, and conductor 32, to contacts 33 at B, and another circuit which branches at contacts 31 at A, and

leadsto contacts 33 at A. From this it-will be. seen that a car in the block may energize solenoid 28 to return controller disk 12 and operate switch 17 to clear the signals when it leaves the block at either end, at which time it will close contacts 33 or 33' to energize said magnet by completing a circuit from trolley wire through relay 83 (or 83 as the case may be), conductor 82, trolley wheel and car connections to ground. The contacts 31 being normally open, prevent the operation of the controller at B when the car passes out of the block.

The opening of contacts 35 at A when the car entered prevents any possible setting of the danger signal at that end by a car accidentally running into the block at 13, since the circuit to relay 6 was immediately opened when the first car entered the block. Likewise, the relay 6 at B having opened circuits 4 and 21 when energized, prevents any possible setting of the safety signal at that end, since its circuit is not only broken by the contacts at relay 6, but the circuit of solenoid 19' and relay 80 are also held open.

It will thus be seen that a car oer-running a danger signal and entering at the other end of the block can neither give nor receive another signal while the other car remains in the block, nor can it clear the signals previously set by a car in the block, a defect common in signaling systems of this type now in use. It is necessary for a car in such a position to leave the block without aifecting the signals, and heretofore it has been impossible to accomplish this with any known signaling system without lowering the trolley collector in backing out past the trolley switch. lVith my system it is only necessary for. the inotorrnan to start his car back and then open his motor circuit by turning his controller handle to the off position until he passes the trolley switch.

Should cars approach each end of the block at the same time, the first one engaging its trolley switch will cause the circuit of the controller at the other end to be opened by relay 6 or 6, thus preventing the other car from setting any signals, even though it over-runs the danger signal just set ahead of it.

Should the cars engage their switches precisely at the same instant, each of the magnets 19 and 19 would be energized to throw switches 17 and 17 to open contacts 35 and 35, and close contacts 3131 and 3737;

the effect of which would be to connect c0n-' ductor 34 to ground at each end of the block through relays 80 and 80. The conductor being so connected, no current can flow, hence neither car can receive a clear signal. The first motorrnan to appreciate this situation, due to not receiving a clear signal, and who backs his car off, will energize the relay S3 at that end to close contacts 33 (or 33, as the case may be). The closing of these contacts will energize both solenoids 2S and 28" since both contacts 31 and 31 are closed, and both controllers will be operated to restore the circuits to normal condition.

The car thus backing otl will immediately reenter and throw a danger signal against the car at the other end in the manner previously described. The other car thus having a danger signal set against it will back out of the block, coasting past the trolley contacts at that end without affecting the signals, as previously described.

It makes no difierence whether the cars back off at the same time or whether the one slowest to back out comes out before the danger signal is set against it, for in either case it would back out with its controller at the on position (sincea danger signal has not yet been set against it) to close contacts in a manner previously described, but this will not affect the signals since, as in the first case put, it the cars are engaging the conductors 82 and 82 at the same time the controller will act just as it in response to one car; and should the last car back out just before the other reenters, as in the sec- 0nd case put; the contacts 31 and 31 will be open and the closing of contacts will have no etiect. Should the second car engage its trolley contacts in backing out at the instant the first car engages its trolley switch on reentering, the controller will have its magnets 19 and 28 simultaneously energized, a contingency which can rarely happen with my type of controller, hereinafter to be explained, and which adequately takes care of such a contingency when it does arise, by permitting the controller to respond to each car; with the result that no signals are given, and the first car will be obliged to back out (with its controller on) without afiecting the signals, since contacts 31 and 31 are now open and the first car to reenter will set the signals in the usual manner.

It may happen that cars enter the block simultaneously, and it frequently happens that a car accidentally over-runs a danger signal; in each case throwing the signals out of order. Tn all other systems in which the trolley switch for energizing the magnets of the step by step controller is placed within the block, when a car over-runs a danger signal accidentally or otherwise, it cannot back out of the block past said switch, leaving the signals undisturbed, without lowering its collector from the path of the switch, or having the conductor get out and throw some auxiliary hand switch, which must be kept in a locked box to preventit being operated by others.

The use oi? a trolley switch uated within the block ateach end for so governing the signal controller that a car may back out of the block in which it has no right, without affecting the controller and without having to lower its collector, is an important feature. lVhenever the block is used by cars having different destinations at device siteither end of the block, it is impossible to use a trolley switch device in each of the turnouts at that end of the block since one car leaving the block by one turn-out at that end would advance the controller or not affect it at all, according to the type of switch used in the turnout, and another car leaving by the other branch at that end would operate to restore the controller, whereas the controller should have been restored in response to both cars leaving the block at that end since it was advanced by each of the cars when they entered at the other end.

-Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the signaling casing containing the signals and the signal controller, with switch 24 removed from the core of solenoid 19 for the sake of clearness.

1 The controller disk 12 carr i11 a fin er 15 for operating switch 17, is mounted on a shaft journaled in supports not shown. The disk is operated by pawls 20 and 30 which are controlled and actuated by solenoids 19 and 28, the cores of which carry pivoted latches 57 which normally engage a knife edge or stud 51 at the foot of each pawl, as shown at the right. Each latch has a depending, and preferably a laterally projecting stud 53, which rides on the inclined upper flanged surface of cam block 52. The cam blocks which are substantially shape in cross-section are stamped up from steel or brass sheet metal, and secured to a base plate through their lower flanges by screws or bolts.

Two standards or straps 49 slidingly support a rod 48 which is normally thrust to the'right by spring 58 carried between one of the straps and an abutment carried on the rod. The rod carries a hook 56 formed at its front end which is adapted to engage a depending arm 50, of cylindrical or other cross-section carried by pawl 30. The rod is drawn back by solenoid 19 against the action of spring 58 (as shown in Fig. 2), which normally holds the rod thrust forward in such a position that it will not interfere with the operation of pawl30. The front surface of the hook 56 is of such curvature that arm 50 may slide on said surface when pawl 30 is operated, but never getting above it.

The left had latch 57 carries an upwardly extending arm which is bent laterally at its upper end as shown at 59, for engaging abutment 60 on the rod. In cross-section the lateral arm 59 resembles a half ellipse, the rear surface being substantially vertical while the lower surface is inclined. abutment 60 presents a substantially vertical front while at its rear it is beveled off and rounded, as shown.

Solenoid19 controlling the latch which carries arm 59 is designed to be more powerful than solenoid 28 and is controlled through contacts 22, while the relatively weak solenoid 28- is controlled through The 7 contacts 83. The red transparency 2 is carried on a rock shaft supported below the shelf upon which the normally burning lamp 1 and the solenoid 3 for operating the transparency 2 are mounted; the green lamp 38 being mounted just below. I

The operation of the controller is as follows:

A car entering the block will engage tongue to momentarily energize solenoid 19, which in attracting its core engages pawl 20 through the latch and knife edge and at the same time causes the rear surface of arm 59 to engage the front surface of abutment 60, to force rod 48 back against spring 58. As the core is drawn in, the disk 12 is advanced to throw switch 17 by engagement with finger 15, and the stud 53 riding up on the inclined surface of' block 52, together with the pivotal action of the pawl, causes the latch to simultaneously release pawl 20 and the rod 48 on the completion of its stroke, due to the knife edge slipping under the latch and thearm 59 being raised above abutment 60 so that the pawl and rod will return to normal position by the respective springs 55 and 58 immediately on the completion of the controller movement. The closing of switch 17, which is held in either of its positions by spring 18. causes the signal to be set as heretofore mentioned. Each succeeding car now entering the block will operate the controller as above mentioned to advance finger 15 one step and the circuit of the green lamp at the entering endwill be momentarily opened by switch 24 (Fig. 1)

carried on the core of solenoid 19, to-indicate V the operation of the controller, but switch 17 will remain undisturbed. I

As a car passes out of the block (with its controller on, one notch being sufficient) it closes contacts 33 to energize solenoid 28 for returning the disk one step backward, the last car leaving the block causing finger 15 to engage switch 17 and clear the signals.

From the above, it will be seen that each pawl is given a quick release on completion of its stroke and prior to the deenergization of its actuating solenoid by the trolley switch, a feature which is disclosed in my above mentioned application, and which greatly diminishes the possibility of pawls 20 and 30 engaging the controller disk to gether when cars leave and enter the block about the same time, since the complete cycle of the pawl movement is instantaneous.

In the particular system shown the period of energization of one of the controller solenoids is determined by'the speed of the car bridging the extended contact 82, while the period of energization of the opposite solenoid is only momentary. The contact- 82 is made long enough to insure'the proper operation of the controller by each solenoid,

and the quicker the restrained pawl, which is controlled by these contacts, can be released, the shorter may the contacts be with the same efficiency.

It would be undesirable to accomplish this result by shortening the period of time during which the locking solenoidwas energized, by making only an instantaneous'make and break at contacts 82, for the switch may fail to energize the solenoid. By providing the quick release of the rod 48 while the solenoid 19 is energized, the pawl 80 is only instantaneously restrained, insuring ample time for its operation and at the same time a good wiping contact maybe used for closing the circuit of solenoid 19.

The operation of the controller when a car enters the block at the same instant that one leaves is as follows:

The car enteringat A will'engage tongue 65, closing contacts 22 to energize solenoid 19 and the car leaving the block at B will engage contact 82, closing contacts 33 to energize solenoid 28 at'AJ Solenoid 19 be ing stronger than solenoid 28 will overpower it and advance disk 12 one step by operating pawl 20,,at the same time holding pawl 30 down in its'normal position by the strong spring connecting the pawls and by the engagement of the front surface of hook 56 with the arm 50 which is always in the path of the hook. Immediately that the latch of solenoid '19 reaches its inner position, the pawl 30 and rod 48 are released as heretofore explained, and pawl is imme diately operated -by solenoid 28,-which is held energized as long as contact-s 82 are bridged by the trolley collector, which will be for an appreciable time after the pawl 30 has been released, since the time during which the, pawl was restrained is instantaneous.

lVhen solenoid 19 is deenergized the latch is' returned by spring 54 and its rounded front edge will slide up over the sloping back of the knife edge 51, dropping in position in front of it; while the inclined under surface of the arm 59 carried by the latch will engage the beveled back edge of abutment 60, (now in its forward position in front of the arm), and drop in position in front of the abutment so that the vertical faces will be engaged when solenoid 19 is again energized. As a matter of detail I prefer to give one or both of the engaging surfaces of arm 59 and abutment 60 a slight'incline from right to left to avoid any tendency on the part of the arm to ride up above the abutment when it engages the same. The

weight of the latch which may have a thickened head, or a weight attached, will be suflicient even with straight engaging surfaces, but if desired a spring (not shown) may be carried by the core at the latch pivot for holding the latch pressed in engagement with the inclined surface of the cam block; Suitably fixed guides for the latch extending up from the rear of the cam block may also be provided if desired, but the same are not deemed necessary.

It is obvious to those skilled in the art I that many changes may be made in my system' withoutdeparting from the spirit of my invention. For instance, the ground connection, including the resistance and one of the contacts, may be omitted, in which case when the trolley engages the contact connected to the magnet and the controlleris in the 01f position no current will flow and the magnet will remain deenergized, but otherwise the operation will be the same as in the apparatus before described; also the quick release-of the pawls may be accomplished: by each pawl carrying a contact to open its own actuating circuit when it is operated, as set forth in my prior application above mentioned; or the green signal lamps may be replaced by a target and lamp, or both signals by a target only,'or semaphore.

All such modifications of the apparatus I aim to cover by the appended claims.

By the-term setting a signal I wish to be understood as meaning the giving or displaying of a visual signal of any kind what soever, and by the term clearing the signal I mean the discontinuance of the signal, such as the extinguishing or shielding from view of a light, the shifting of a target from in front of the light, or a different position assumed by the semaphore or target as the case may be.

It will be seen from the above description that I have provided a system of the type described in which the controller and signals will be properly operated regardless of'the'time at or order in which cars enter and leave the block.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

1. In a block signaling system, a signal line wire extending along the block, switches at each end of the block normally connecting the line wire to the same side of a source of power, a signal at the remote end of the block, signal-setting means at said end operatively related to the line wire and controlled through said line wire from the near end of the'block for setting the signal, and a signal at the near end of the block operatively related to said line wire and controlled through said line wire to be set in response to said signal-setting means at the remote end of theblock.

2. In a block signaling system, a signal at one end of the block, means for setting said signal, a slgnal c1rcu1t extending along the block for controlling said setting means, a

'car of a possible series into the block while [a precedlng car occupies the block.

the operation of the other controller while the signalissetj 7 I LIn ablock signaling system, a signal circuit extending along the block, signalsetting means at one end controlled through said circuit by the first car; of a possible series entering the blockfor-setting the signal atthat end, a signal at the other end con trolled through said circuit-by the settingof thefirst signal, and a switch operated in advancing the controller and controlled by the entry of each succeeding car of the series for causing an indicationof the controller movement to begiven each of said cars without affecting said first signal.

5..Ina signaling system, the combination with a step by step controller, of electromagnetically-controlled means for advancing and restoring the controller in response to each car of a possible series enteringand leaving the block. respectively, a signal set in response tothe first movement ofthe controller, electromagnetic meansfor operating the signal, and means for assuring the operation of the controller by each car when cars enter and leave thevblocksimultaneously.

6. In a signaling system, a signal at each end of a block, a block circuit the energization and deenergizationof which controls the setting and clearing of said signals, a controller at each end of, the block for energizing and deenergizing said circuit, electromagnetically-controlled means for advancing and restoring the controllers, circuits for energizing the same, and means whereby one .ofsaid lastcircuits is energized for a longer period than the other when cars enter and leave the block simultaneously.

7 In a block signaling system, the combination ofa step by step controller at each end of the block, one of which is operated a step forward and backward respectively in response to each car entering and leaving the block in a given direction, a danger-signal set inresponse to the first forward-move ment of said controller and cleared by its last return movement, a signal set at the entering end of the block in response to the setting of said danger signal, danger and caution signals similarly arranged with respect to the other controller and governed thereby in response to cars entering and leaving the block in the opposite direction,

twoline wires only extending along the block for controlling and operating said signals, and means including aswitch for causing an indlcation of the movement of the operating controller tobe given each following car entering the block after the signals are set.

8. In a signaling system, the combination of step by step controllers, one at each end of a block, one of said controllers operated a step forward and backward respectively in response to cars entering and leaving the block in one direction, a danger signal set when said controller assumes its first forward movement and cleared when the controller isrestored, the other step by step controller similarly operated in response to cars entering or leaving the block in the other direction, a, danger signal similarly set by said'controller, a single line wire for controlling the setting of either'of said signals, and a signal set'i'n response to thefset ting of one of said-danger signals for indicating to the first car of a seriesthe'setting of its danger signal. r

9. In a block signaling system,the combination of a step bystep controller ateach end of the block, one of which is operated a step forward and backward respectively in response to each-car entering andleaving the block in a given direction, a danger signal at one end of the clock set in response to the first forwardmo vement of: said controller and cleared in response to its last backward movement, a signalat the entering end set in response to the setting of the danger signal, means for causing an indication to be given each subsequent car to show the forward movement of itssignal controller, signals and circuits similarly arranged and controlled by the other step by to'cars entering and leaving the block re-.

spectively, and means whereby the controller w ll be operated in response to each car in a predetermined order when cars enter'and leavethe block simultaneously.

11.- In a signaling system, the. combina tion of opposite signals at each end of'a' block, a step by step controller at each end of the block for controlling said signals,

means for advancing and restoring the con trollers, electromagnetic means forae'tuating each of said advancing and restoring means, energized by cars entering and leaving the block respectively, means for preventing the operation of one controller when the signals have been set by the other, and means whereby said last controller will be operated in response to each car in a predetermined order when cars enter and leave the block simultaneously.

12. In a signaling system, a signal and a controller therefor, electromagnetically-actuated means for advancing and restoring the controller, controlling circuits for energizing the same, and means for energizing one of said circuits in response to a passing car for a longer period than the other is energized.

13. In a signaling system, the combina tion of a signal, a step by step controller therefor, means for advan cing the controller, means for restoring the controller, electromagnets for operating each of said means, means for rendering one ofthe controlleroperating means inoperative to move the controller when the other means is operated, and means for rendering said first operating means operative after the controller completes its movement. I

1%. In a signaling system, the combination of a signal, a signal controller therefor, means for advancing the controller, means normally disconnected from the controller for restoring the same, and means for pre venting theactuation of the controller by one of said means when the other means is operated, but permitting the actuation of said controller by the restrained means af ter the controller has been operated.

15. In a signaling system, the combination of'a signal, a controller therefor, means for advancing the controller, means for restoring the controller, means including an electromagnet for controlling and actuating each of said means, means for locking one of said controller-actuating means against operation when the other is operated, and means for. removing each of said controllenactuating means from the control of its magnet immediately upon the completion of its stroke, substantially as described.

16. In a signaling system, the combination of a step by step controller at the entering end of a block, means for advancing and restoring the controller, a movable signal at one end of the block having means including a circuit for operating the same, a distinguishing signal at the other end of the block, a circuit extending along the block for controlling the, signals, a switch operated by the controller for governing both signals, and means for operating one of said signals while the other is set.

'17. In a signaling system, the combination of a signal at the entering end of a block, a distinguishing signal at the remote end, a

local circuit for said last signal, circuits extending along the block for controlling the signals, an electromagnetically operated step by step signal controller at the entering end ofthe block, a switch operated by saic controller in response to the first car entering and the last car leaving the block for setting and restoring the signals, said switch being independent of intermediate cars, and means for affecting the near signal while the'other is set.

18. In a signaling system, the combination of a danger signal having a normally closed circuit, a safety signal having a nor.- mally open circuit, means controlled through said safety signal circuit for opening the danger signal circuit, means for affecting the safety signal when the danger signal circuit is opened, and means for opening and closing said safety signal circuit while the danger signal circuit is open.

19. In a signaling system, the combination of a signal to be displayed at each end of a block, a block circuit through which the setting and clearing of each of said signals is controlled, means for automatically dis.- playing both of said signals when the first carcnters the block, and means for automatically and momentarily clearing one of said signals when a subsequent car enters the block.

20. In a signaling system, the combina tion of a signal to be displayed at each end of a block, a conductor by the energization and deenergization of which said signals are controlled, means for automatically dis.- playing both of said signals when the first car enters the block, and means operated in response to a subsequent car for automatically clearing and resetting one of said signals while the other is displayed.

21. In a signaling system, a signal, a con troller therefor, a pawl for advancing the controller, a pawl for restoring the controller, means for operating the pawls, and means for effecting the restoration of one of the pawls immediately on the completion of its stroke and before the restoration of its operating means.

22. In a signaling system, the combination of a signal, a controller therefor, means for advancing the controller, means for restoring the controller. means including electroinagnets for controlling and actuating said means, and means for removing one of said controller-operating means from the completion of its stroke.

23. In a signaling system, the combination of a signal, a controller therefor, means for advancing the controller, means for restoring the controller, means including electromagnets for controlling and operating said means, said magnets capable of being simultaneously energized, and means for re- I control of its magnet immediately upon the moving each of said controller-operating means from the control of its magnet immediately upon the completion of its stroke.

a. In a signaling system, the combination of a signal, a step by step controller therefor, a pawl for advancing the controller, a pawl for restoring the controller, means including electromagnets for operating said pawls, and means for restoring each of the pawls onthe completion of its stroke, and independently of the condition of its operating magnet.

'25. In. a signaling system, a signal, a step by step controller therefor, pawls for ad vancing and restoring the controller, electromagnetically-controlled means for operating the pawls, andu neans for immediately disengaging each of said pawls from its operating means after it has operated the controller and prior to the release of said operating means by its magnet.

26. In a signaling system, the combina tion of an electromagnetically-operated signal, step by step signal controllers having electromagnetically controlled restoring and advancing means, circuits for-said electro1nagnets,-a switch for preventing the improper operation of the restoring means, a signal circuit extending along the block, and a relay in the circuit for setting the signal and opening the circuit to the advancing means at that end, substantially as described.

27. In a signaling system, the combination 1 of a signal at the entering end ota block, an opposite signal at the remote end of the block, a local circuit for said last signal, circuits extending along the block for controlling both signals, an electromagneticallyoperated step by step signal controller at the entering end of the block, a switch operated by said controller in response to the first and last car entering and leaving the block respectively for setting and clearing both signals, said switch being independent of intermediate cars, and means for preventing the clearing of either of said signals in response to a car inentering at the remote end.

28; In a block signaling system, a normally deenergized signaling circuit extendingalong the block, electromagnetic signalcontrolling means at one end operated through said circuit from the'other end to set a signal at its end, and a signal at the first end set through said circuit in response to the setting of the first signal without demagnetizing said controlling means.

29. In a block signaling system, a signal, a single wire signal circuit extending along the block and normally connected to the same side of a source of power at each end, switch mechanism for energizing the circuit controlled by the first and last car of a pos sible series entering the block and independ ent of intermediate cars, signal-controlling means at one end energized through sa1d circuit from the other end'to set said signal.

at its end, and a signal at the other cndset through said circuit upon the setting of the first signal without deenergiz'ing said controlling means.

30. In a block signaling system, a signal circuit extending along the block, switches in said circuit, a signal at each end of the circuit set by one of said switches in response tothe first of a possible series of'cars enter ing the block, and another of said switches momentarily clearing one of said signals without altering the other in response to each succeeding car, and means operated in response to the last car leaving the block for restoring both of said signals.

81. In a signaling apparatus, a signal and signal controller, electromagnetic means for advancing and restoring the controller, controlling circuits for the same, switches actumagnetically-actuated means for restoring the controller, means capable of simultaneously energizing said actuating'means, and 7 means operated to lock one of said electromagnetically-actuated means against movement until the controller has been actuated.

33. In a signaling apparatus, the combination of a step bystep signal controller, means comprising electromagnets for advancing and restoring said controller, circuits for said magnets, means for controlling said circuits, and means actuated when one of said circuits is energized for locking one of said controller-operating means against movement until the energized magnet has operated the controller.

34:. In a block signaling apparatus, the combination of a step by step signal controller, electro-magnets for advancing and restoring the same, circuits for said magnets, switches in said circuits for energizing the same operated in response to cars entering and leaving the-block, means for holding one of said switches closed for a shorter time than the other, and means operated when one of said circuits is energized for rendering the magnet in the other circuit inoperative to move the controller until the BIIBIf gized magnet has operated the controller.

controllers cooperatively related therewith, means for setting said signals in response to the first car entering the block, and means for affecting one of the said signals in response to each succeeding car for substantially the periodduring which said actuating means is energized.

36. In a block signaling system, a signal, a signal circuit therefor extending along the block and normally connected to a source of power at each end, contacts at each end for energizing said circuit, signalsetting means at one end controlled through said circuit for setting said signal at that end, means controlled by the setting of said signal for varying the current in the circuit, and a signal at the other end set in re sponse to said current variation.

37. In a block signaling system, a signal,

a signal' circuit therefor extending along the block and normally connected to the same side of the source of power at each end, a switch in said circuit at each end for energizing the same, signal-setting means at one end controlled through the cir cuit from the other end for setting said signal, current-reducing means at that end controlled by the setting of the signal for varying the circuit energy, and a signal at the other end set-through saidline in response to said variation.

38. In a block signaling system, a slgnal circuit extending along the block, signal-' setting meansat one end controlled through said circuit to set a signal at'that end, said signal,a signal at-the'other end set through said circuit in response to the setting of the first signal, and means for operating said second signal on the entrance of each car of a possible series into the block.

39. In a block signaling system, a signal circuit extending along the block, signal setting means at one endcontrolled through said circuit by the first car of a possible series entering the block for setting a signal at thatend, said signal, a signal at the other end set through said circuit in response to the setting of the first signal, and means for operating only saidsecond signal by each succeeding car.

40. In a block signaling system, a signal circuit extendingalong the block, "signalcontrolling means including step by step mechanism associated therewith, a signal at one end of the block set through said circuit by the controller in response to the first car of a possible series entering the block,

' a signal at the other end of the block set through said circuit in response to the setting of the first signal, a switch controlled by each succeeding car of the series entering the :block for operating said second sig-' nal only, and means'for restoring both signals in response to the last car leaving-the block. Y

41. In a block signaling system, a. signal circuit extending along the block, switches in said circuit, a' signal at each end of the circuit set by one of said switches in response to the first of a possible series of cars entering the block, one of said signals set in response tothe other, another of said switches momentarily altering one of said signals in response to each succeeding car, and means operated in response to the last ear leaving the block for restoring both slgnals.

' 42. In ablock signaling system, the combination of a normally closed signal circuit at the far end of-the block with reference to an incoming car, a normally open circuit at thenear end, a circuit extending along block controlled through said block circuit upon the operation of said contacts for closing the normally open circuit at the near end.

- 43. In a block signaling system, the combination of a danger signal at the exit end of the block, a distinguishing signal at the entrance end of the block, a local circuit for each signal, electromagneticmeans for controlling each circuit, a circuit extending along the block by the energization and deenergization of which said electromagnetic means are operated to set and clear said signals, a step-by-step signal controller at the entering end of the block and a stepby-step controller at the exit end of the block, means operated by said controllers for ener gizing and deenergizing said block circuit to control the signals, electromagnetically operated means for advancing'the controller at the exit end ofthe block and an operating circuit for said means, and contacts in said operating circuit controlled throughsaid block circuit for oreventin the 03eration of said controller when the danger signal at the exit end of the block is set.

a4: In a si nahn svstem the combination b q t 4 of a plurality of signals at each end of a block, a local circuit for each of said sig-- nals, a controlling relay for each of said circuits, a signal circuit extending along the block and having branches at each end for energizing the relays, and at each end of the block electroma'gnetically-operated means for opening and closing the branches, said means opening one branch when it closes the other.

45. In a block signaling system, the combination of a danger signal and a distinguishing signal at each end of the block, a local circuit for each signal,electromagnetically operated means controlling each local circuit,,a line wire extending along the block and having a ground and a positive branch at each end, one branch for each of said electromagnetically operated means, a signal controller with means operated thereby, at each end of the block controlling the branch circuits at its end to open one and close the other to establish a circuit through a positive branch at one end of the line wire and a ground branch at the other end, means for advancing the controllers including an electromagnet andan operatingcircuit for each, contacts in each of said operating circuits respectively controlled responsive to current in the branch circuit controlling the danger signal at its end, for preventing a car entering at theexit end of the block from affecting the signals previously set by a car at the entering end.

46. In a block signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signals, a controller therefor, a local circuit for. each of said signals, .electro-magnetically operated means controlling each of said circuits, a.

signaling circuit extending along the block and having a branch for each of said electro-magnetically operated means, and means operated by-the controller controlling said branch circuits, and to open one when it closes the other. I

47. In a block signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signals at one end of a block, a local circuit for each of said signals having contacts therein, a relay for controlling the contacts in each of said circuits, .a signal controller, a signal circuit extending along the block and] having a branch for each of said relays, contacts in each of said branches, and means operated. b ohe of said branches and opening the contacts in the other branch.

&8. In a block signaling system,the com-, bination of distinguishing signals at one endof the block, local circuits for each of said signals, contacts in each of said circuits, a relay for controlling each of said contacts, an electro-magnetically operated signal controller, a signal circuit extending along the block andhaving a branch for each of said relays, for; simultaneously opening one of said branch circuits and closing the other.

49. In a block signaling system, the combiv nation of apair of distinguishing signals at each end of the block, a local;circuit for each signal, a relay controlling each of said circuits, a signal controller at each end of the block controlling said relays, electromagnetic means operating the controllers 1n .re-

sponse to cars entering and leaving the block,

a signal circuit extending along-the block j and having arnormally open and a normally closed branch at each end includingsaid the controller for closing thecontacts in and means operated by the controller;

relays, and means operated by one of the controllers in response to a car entering the near the other end of the block operatively related to the other circuit for closing the same, one of said contacts being closed 'for a longer period than the other. H

51. In a signaling system, the combination of a step-by-step controller, electromagnetic means selectively advancing and restoring the same, circuits for said means, a contact near one end of'the blockengaged by a passing car for energizing one of said cirenergizing the other circuit, the first contact being elongated so that when it 'is engaged by a car simultaneously'with the closing of the contacts at the opposite end of the block by another car, the first circuit will beenergized for a longer time than said second circuit. I I 52. In a signaling system, the combination of'a signal, a step by step controller therefor, a plurality of electromagnets for governlng the operation of the same, an insulated contact piece placed beside the power conductor to be engaged by the collector-of a car, an electromagnet connected betweensaid contact piece and asource of current, said magnet controlling the energizatlon of one of the controller governing magnets and operatively energized by completing; the circuit from the contact through the car, and

separate means for energizing the other gov.- v erning magnet.

53., In a block signaling system, the com-- bination of a signal a step by step controller therefor, meansf'or advancing and restoring the controller, a circuit for governing the operation of the restoring'means, a switch .for controlling said circuit, electromagnetic means operating said switch, an elongated contact engaged by apassing car, and a connection from a source of current to said contact in- 1 clu-ding the electromagnetic switch operating means, whereby the controller may be opera v125 54. In a signaling system, the combination ated by the closing ofa switch on the can, 1

of a signal, a step by step controller therefor, means for advancingv and restoring the controller, electric circuits for governing the 1 operation of said means, a switch mechanl system, the comelectrdmagnetically controlled.

cuits, .and contacts near the other end for J cally operated by a passing car for energ1zing one of said circuits, a switch for closing the other circuit, a solenoid for operating said switch, an elongated contact engaged by a passing car, and a circuit including said contact and solenoid.

55. In a signalingsystem, the combination of a signal at one end of the block, a step-by step controller therefor, electromagneticallycontrolled means for ac vancing and restoring the controller, electric circuits for governing the operation of said means, a switch at one end of the block operatively related to one of said circuits and mechanically closed in response to a passing car for energizing one of said controlling means, a switch at the other end of the block operatively related to the other circuit, electromagnetic means operating said switch, a circuit including said means energized by a passing car, and means for locking one of the controller operating means against movement until the controller has been actuated by the other operating means. i

56. In a signaling system, the combination of a signal, a step by step controller therefor, pivotal means for moving the controller to set the signal, pivotal means for moving the controller to clear the signal, electro-magnets for operating each of said means, and means for preventing the actuation of the controller by one of said pivotal means when the other. is operated, and means releasing the restrained means as soon as the controller has been actuated, and independently of the deenergization of its actuating magnet.

57. In a signaling system, the combination of a signal, a controller therefor, means for advancing the controller, means for restoring the controller, electro-magnets for operating each of said means, means for restraining one of the controller operating means when the other means is operated, and means for releasing said restrained means upon the completion of the controller movement and prior to the denergization of its actuating magnet.

In a signaling system, the combination of a signal, a step by step controller therefor, means including an electromagnet for advancing the controller, means including an electromagnet for restoring the controller, means for locking one of the electromagnetically operating means against movement when the other means is operated, and means rendered operative immediately upon the completion of the controller movement for unlocking said operating means.

59. In a signaling system, the combination of a signal, a step by step controller therefor, electro-magnetically operated means for advancing the controller, electromagnetically operated means for restoring the controller, a latch operated by one of said means to lock the other against operating the controller, and means for effecting the release of said latch to unlock said means immediately that the first operating means completes its forward movement.

60. In a signaling system, the combination ofa signal, a step by step controller therefor, electro-magnetically operated means for advancing the controller, electro magnetically operated means for restoring the controller, a latch operated by one of said means to lock the other against operation, and means operated at the completion of the controller movement for disengaging said latch from its operating means to unlock said other operating means.

61. In a signaling system, the combination of a signal, a step by step controller therefor, pawls for advancing and restoring the controller, means including electromagnets for actuating said pawls, means engaged by a part of one of said actuating means for locking one of the pawls against movement when the other is operated, and means moved with said last actuating means to immediately unlock said first pawl when said actuating means has completed its stroke.

62. In a block signaling system, the combination of a danger signal at one end of the block, a safety signal at the other end of the block, a local circuit for each of said signals, means for opening the danger signal circuit and closing the safety signal circuit when a car enters the block, a switch, and electromagnetically operated means with an operating circuit therefor for operating said switch in response to cars entering the block to open and close the safety signalcircuit in response to each car entering the block While the danger signal circuit is open.

63. In a block signaling system, the combination of a signal at the remote end of the block, a distinguishing signal at the near end of the block, a local circuit for each of said signals, a step by step controller for setting both signals when a car enters the block, and a switch operatively related to the controller to be actuated when the controller is operated in response to subsequent cars entering the block for momentarily changing said near signal while the other signal is set. 64:. In a block signaling system, the combination of a signal at the remote end of the block, a distinguishing signal at the near end of the block, a local circuit for each signal, electro-magnetically operated means for controlling each circuit, a circuit extending along the block for energizing each of the electromagnetically operated means, means including a step by step controller for closing said last circuit to actuate said mag netically operating means to set the signals When a car enters the block, and a switch in presence of two Witnesses, this 24th day operatively related to the controller to be of December, 1907.

actuated When the controller is operated in v response to subsequent cars entering the SAMUEL block for clearing and resetting one of said Witnesses signals While the other is set. D. G. STUART,

In testimony whereof I affix my signature, HENRY C. HAZARD.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0. 

